Trekkie Travels

Help a Heart

after I read the message below I sponsored Steve in his bike ride. he did the ride with Molly Walker printed on his shirt. Molly Walker who was my mum who died in 1964 at the age of 39 after a heart valve replacement operation. Photos on the photo blog.


Just wanted to inform you all of my taking part in the 'London to Brighton Bike Ride' on Sunday 18th. For those that may not know, this is an annual event which is organized by the British Heart Foundation to raise much-needed funds, and is the largest single bike ride in Europe with numbers limited to around 30,000 !
I first did the ride in 2004,in memory of my Mother who died in 2003 after more than 31 years as a heart patient (and surviving no less than EIGHT heart attacks!) She was one of the first in the UK to have 'open heart' surgery, and was confirmed (in 1999) as the longest surviving heart patient, of the initial group of five.
Less than a week after her death, I was diagnosed with having Fibromyalgia (a condition related to M.E.) which causes fluctuating (in severity) muscle/joint pain. I trained for several months and completed the ride in just 7 hours.
Last year was different however, as it turned out to be the hottest day of the year !!! (over 28 degrees C). In spite of dehydration problems at one-third distance (sorted by St. John Ambulance), I continued riding (and walking) through searing heat and along some melted roads (!) to finish in ten-and-a-half hours.

This year will possibly be the last time I do this ride, but I am determined to do it however long it takes :-)
It would be good to hear of any other 'Spicers' taking part this year - or from anyone who did this ride in years gone by.

Anyone who wishes to support the BHF, through my efforts, can use the following link :

www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/stevehoughton

posted by Incurable Trekkie @ 15:02